Exhibit to explore Marley's role as the catalyst to the Reggae revolution as well as his influence on music and culture

On May 11, 2011, The GRAMMY Museum will debut a new exhibit, Bob Marley, Messenger. Housed on the Museum's second floor, the exhibit will focus on Bob Marley as a private, spiritual man, as a powerful performer who used his lyrics to give a voice to the disenfranchised and as a legend who has inspired legions of fans in the 30 years since his death.

"Bob Marley gave the world something no other artist has," said GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli. "Not only did he give us brilliant music, but he also became a heroic figure. His music spread a message of hope and unity. That message is as relevant today as it was three decades ago, and it's our hope to help share that message with a new generation."

Marley's story is that of an archetype, which is why it continues to have such a powerful and ever-growing resonance: it embodies political repression, metaphysical and artistic insights, gangland warfare and various periods of mystical wilderness. And his audience continues to widen. Bob Marley gave the world brilliant and evocative music; his work stretched across nearly two decades and yet still remains timeless and universal. Bob Marley & the Wailers worked their way into the very fabric of our lives.

Bringing together more than 40 diverse artifacts, rare photographs and more, the exhibit features items from the private collection of the Marley family. On display, visitors will see a broad array of items, including:

* Marley's famous Les Paul guitar;

* An interactive drumming station that allows visitors to learn how to play a reggae beat;

* More than 40 photographs of Marley both on and off stage;

* Ticket stubs, concert posters, tour books and fan memorabilia

Additionally, The GRAMMY Museum has conducted interviews with several artists and musicians who have been influenced by Marley and the role that he played not only as the catalyst to the reggae evolution, but also his influence on music and culture. Interview footage will be featured in the exhibit and includes conversations with Blondie, Carlos Santana, Nas and more.

"My father's message of peace and unity was always of great importance to him and to our family," said Ziggy. "Especially in the current times, it seems appropriate to remind the world of what he stood for and hopefully, by honoring him, we can all make efforts to live our lives with the same message."

Bob Marley, Messenger will be on display in The GRAMMY Museum's Special Exhibits Gallery - where temporary exhibits are showcased on a rotating basis - through mid-September, 2011.

The GRAMMY Museum is located at 800 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite A245, and Los Angeles, CA 90015. With an entrance off of Figueroa Street, the Museum resides within the L.A. LIVE campus, at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles.